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Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Samsung's 10.1-inch plastic LCD showcased in concept laptop, tablet at SID 2011 (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/samsungs-10-1-inch-plastic-lcd-showcased-in-concept-laptop-tab/

Fumble your phone much? Samsung may have a solution for clumsy gadgeteers with screen shatter fears: a lightweight, ultra-durable, plastic LCD screen. Tucked into laptop and tablet concepts at SID 2011, this 10.1-inch 1024 x 600 wunderpanel could be the next innovation in durable mobile devices -- cutting thickness by as much as two-thirds at one-fifth the weight of a glass LCD. Lighter, stronger devices sound awesome, but the tech has its drawbacks; it suffers from poor off-axis viewing angles, and the entire surface has a visible, but not entirely off-putting, wavy texture. Cracked LCD bending art enthusiasts can rest easy for awhile, there's no word yet on pricing or availability; easy-to-bust displays aren't going anywhere. Hit the gallery and the video (after the break) for an eyes-on look.

Gallery: Samsung's 10.1-inch Plastic LCD prototype eyes-on at SID 2011

Continue reading Samsung's 10.1-inch plastic LCD showcased in concept laptop, tablet at SID 2011 (video)

Samsung's 10.1-inch plastic LCD showcased in concept laptop, tablet at SID 2011 (video) originally appeared on Engadget! on Wed, 18 May 2011 17:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG's new ultra-high resolution AH-IPS displays, simply stunning at any size

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/lgs-new-ultra-high-resolution-ah-ips-displays-simply-stunning/

The Life's Good gang warned us with the written word about its super fantastic, ultra-high resolution Advanced High Performance In-Plane Switching (AH-IPS) displays. Of course, written resolution claims merely provide verisimilitude; viewing is the only way to discern their veracity. We saw the screens, ranging from a petite 3.5 inches to a prodigious 84-inch panel, at SID 2011 and were impressed enough to begin scheming ways to get a wall of these for Engadget HQ. Unfortunately, we don't know how many dollars LG wants for its plethora of panels or when they'll go on sale, but you can bet we'll keep you posted. If our impressions and that mouthful of a moniker haven't sold you on the awesomeness of AH-IPS, then take a gander at the gallery and let the pixel-packed pics persuade you.

Gallery: LG Display high-resolution / conceptual roundup at SID 2011

LG's new ultra-high resolution AH-IPS displays, simply stunning at any size originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 18:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DirecTV is field testing RVU, will offer satellite TV without individual receivers in October

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/directv-is-field-testing-rvu-will-offer-satellite-tv-without-in/

We've been waiting since 2009 for the RVU Alliance to deliver on its promise of TV service controlled by a main server that streams content to any screen in the home without requiring any set-top boxes and it appears DirecTV is ready to make it so. A press release issued today indicates it has started field trials of the HR34 RVU server that will be the keystone in its Home Media Center, and plans to roll the service out nationwide in October. If you want to know when to start buying HDTVs like the Samsung D6000 series, it also mentions RVU certification for those and DirecTV's own C30 Home Media Clients (check out a video demo here) is expected to be finalized in June. There's been some delays but if you were also hoping that 2011 would be the year we can get rid of the cable box, the progress is looking very promising.

[Thanks, Tyler]

Continue reading DirecTV is field testing RVU, will offer satellite TV without individual receivers in October

DirecTV is field testing RVU, will offer satellite TV without individual receivers in October originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 19:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP's Pavilion dv6t and dv7t available with 1080p screens, people who bought three months ago sigh

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/hps-pavilion-dv6t-and-dv7t-available-with-1080p-screens-people/

When HP's Pavilion Quad Edition dv6t and dv7t went on sale three months ago, we couldn't think of too many detractors, but we did take issue with the fact that these 15.6- and 17.3-inch screens maxed out at 1600 x 900 resolution. If you fall into that camp, well, the Powers That Be over at HP heard you -- both machines are now available with 1080p displays, for an extra $150. As before, both come standard with 2GHz quad-core Core i7 processors, AMD Radeon HD 6490M graphics with 1GB of video memory, 4GB of RAM, and 640GB hard drives. HP is also offering free upgrades to 6GB RAM and 750GB hard drive space, though no promises on how long that'll last. Before you get too excited, though, 1080p displays are only an option on these so-called Quad Edition models and the dv6t Select Edition -- meaning, you can't opt for a lower-end dv6 or dv7t and expect to upgrade it. Confusing naming conventions aside, if you're tempted, we suggest you avail yourself of some sweet coupons at the source links.

[Thanks, Sourabh]

HP's Pavilion dv6t and dv7t available with 1080p screens, people who bought three months ago sigh originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 20:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Implications of 1 in 10 Searches Coming from Mobile devices - http://bit.ly/k7jFqy

Fyels Makes Drag-and-Drop, Web-Based File Sharing as Simple as Possible [Webapps]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5802891/fyels-makes-drag+and+drop-web+based-file-sharing-as-simple-as-possible

If you're looking to share a file with a few of your friends, it doesn't get any simpler than Fyels. Just drag and drop a file onto their web page, and it will spit out a short link that you can send to your friends.

We've discussed a few super-simple file sharing webapps before, but it's hard to get any simpler than Fyels. Fyels is a mostly empty webpage, onto which you can drag and drop nearly any file for quick sharing. Other than a 2 GB size limit, there are no other caveats, like waiting times or registrations, so you can just send your file and get on with your day.

When you share a file, Fyels will give you a password in case you want to delete the file from Fyels' servers later on. To delete a file, you can just re-enter that short link with .delete appended to the end of it. Then, after typing in your password, the file will no longer be accessible through the original link. If you're looking to send a file to a friend with minimal hassle, Fyels is a pretty cool way to get it done quickly.

Fyels | via TorrentFreak

You can contact Whitson Gordon, the author of this post, at whitson@lifehacker.com. You can also find him on Twitter, Facebook, and lurking around our #tips page.

Apple's MacBook Air duo to receive Sandy Bridge and Thunderbolt upgrade in June or July?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/apples-macbook-air-duo-to-receive-sandy-bridge-and-thunderbolt/

We've already seen Intel's Sandy Bridge processors and Thunderbolt reinvigorating the MacBook Pro line, so it's only logical for the MacBook Airs to eventually follow suit -- presumably they'll pick up Sandy Bridge's 17W mobile processors to match the current 10W and 17W Core 2 Duos. So when can we expect this to happen? Well, according to DigiTimes' sources within the supply chain, Apple may receive shipment of the refreshed Airs in late May ahead of a June or July launch -- this echoes earlier reports from Apple Insider and CNET that cited the same time frame. Additionally, DigiTimes says Quanta will continue to assemble Apple's ultra-portable laptops, with Simplo Technology and Dynapack supplying the battery packs. As always, we shall remain open-minded about such rumors, but you'll know the real deal as soon as we do within the next couple of months or so.

Apple's MacBook Air duo to receive Sandy Bridge and Thunderbolt upgrade in June or July? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 02:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba declares victory in pixel density war: 367ppi coming to a phone this year (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/toshiba-declares-victory-in-pixel-density-war-367ppi-coming-to/

We got the lowdown on Toshiba's latest four-inch LCD a couple of days ago, and today at SID 2011 we got up close and personal with the pixel-packed display. It's one thing to read about a 367ppi screen that shows native 720p video, and it's quite another to experience it in person. We can report that it is, in fact, as awesome as it sounds -- onscreen images were clear, crisp, and chromatically brilliant. Pixel density enthusiasts will also be happy to hear that Toshiba confirmed the display will make it to market this year. Of course, the rep wouldn't tell us which phone will take the iPhone 4's crown as the ppi champ, though we imagine it'll be something powered by little green bots. See the new king in action in the video after the break.

Gallery: Toshiba's 4-inch 367ppi 720p cellphone display at SID 2011

Continue reading Toshiba declares victory in pixel density war: 367ppi coming to a phone this year (video)

Toshiba declares victory in pixel density war: 367ppi coming to a phone this year (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 04:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nanosys QDEF screen technology ships in Q4, slips into iPad at SID 2011 (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/nanosys-qdef-screen-technology-ships-in-q4-slips-into-ipad-at-s/

We dropped by Nanosys' nook at SID 2011, and not only was it showing off its new Quantum Dot Enhancement Film, but had hacked the tech into an off-the-shelf iPad. A company representative presented the modified slate as an example of how quickly QDEF's high color gamut magic could be integrated into existing devices, offering "OLED color depth without OLED power consumption and OLED price." Sure enough, we were told to expect to see QDEF in a "mobile device," probably an Android tablet, sometime in Q4; when pushed for details, our rep could only tell us that the device would come from a Korean firm. (LG or Samsung, take your pick.)

Integrating QDEF into new devices may be a snap, but company representatives told us the film could add as much as 100 microns to a screen's thickness, suggesting that smartphone manufactures aren't too keen on the idea of a thicker display. Still, Nanosys has high hopes for the new film and told us that it expects high-color QDEF to become an "ecosystem changer," as industry-altering as HDTV. The firm even suggested "wide color gamut" apps could be in our near future -- we love our color depth here at Engadget, but somehow it's hard to see Angry Birds: High Color (its suggestion, not ours) taking off. Check out our hands-on after the break.

Gallery: Nanosys QDEF screen technology hands-on at SID 2011

Continue reading Nanosys QDEF screen technology ships in Q4, slips into iPad at SID 2011 (video)

Nanosys QDEF screen technology ships in Q4, slips into iPad at SID 2011 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 05:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba's tablet-ready, glasses-free 3D display debuts at SID 2011 (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/toshibas-tablet-ready-glasses-free-3d-display-debuts-at-sid-20/

The T-Mobile G-Slate may have a jump on the (red and cyan) 3D tablet market, but we can do better, and while strolling past Toshiba's SID 2011 setup, we may have found the slate of the future's killer component: an 8-inch, glasses-free 3D display. Tablet sized? Yes, indeed. We couldn't get a Toshiba representative to admit the depth perceptive display was destined for any upcoming devices, but we were told that the screen certainly "made sense" for a tablet device. The technology seems to be designed with a smaller form factor in mind, as the firm warned that larger versions of the screen, while possible, would suffer a drop in image quality. At 8-inches however, it looks mighty fine -- although you'll still need to look on from a centered sweet-spot to catch the 3D effect, a plague it shares with its glasses-free brethren. Check out our hands-on video (sans 3D, of course) after the break.

Gallery: Toshiba's 8-inch glasses-free 3D display eyes-on at SID 2011

Continue reading Toshiba's tablet-ready, glasses-free 3D display debuts at SID 2011 (video)

Toshiba's tablet-ready, glasses-free 3D display debuts at SID 2011 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 07:12:00 EDT. Ple! ase see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel VP confirms ARM versions of Windows 8 will offer no compatibility with legacy apps

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/intel-vp-confirms-arm-versions-of-windows-8-will-offer-no-compat/

Intel VP confirms ARM versions of Windows 8 will offer no compatibility with legacy apps

We already knew that there would be multiple flavors of the next version of Windows. This is, after all, Microsoft, and if it isn't available in dozens of different SKUs, one for each rung on the ladder from student to corporate executive, then it isn't worth stamping to a disc and throwing in a box. However, thanks to Intel Senior Vice President Renee James, we now know for sure that there will be a decisive split between the various ARM and x86 editions. James confirmed yesterday that x86 versions will work just fine on Intel, AMD, and other compatible chips, running all your legacy applications with aplomb.

However, the ARM versions of the OS (which may number as many as six) won't include any sort of instruction emulation, James saying "Our competitors will not be running legacy applications. Not now. Not ever." That's something that Intel CEO Paul Otellini hinted at back at CES, which means Office running on ARM must have been a re-write -- or at least a re-compile. That's bad news for anyone hoping they'd be able to install Command & Conquer Collector's Edition on the Tegra-powered Windows 8 tablet of their dreams. James additionally indicated there will be four separate Windows 8 ARM SoCs, meaning someone has joined NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and TI since the CES unveil. Intrigue!

Intel VP confirms ARM versions of Windows 8 will offer no compatibility with legacy apps originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 07:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung and Nouvoyance show off power-sipping, pixel packed Pentile display (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/samsung-and-nouvoyance-show-off-power-sipping-pixel-packed-pent/

Samsung is seriously stepping up its slate screen game with its 10.1-inch 300ppi panel that we told you about last week. We just got to see the display in person at SID 2011, and can confirm that the presence of Pentile pixels should no longer be a cause of concern. Nouvoyance, who designed the display, told us that the panel's RGBW pixel configuration makes your whites whiter and brights brighter (up to 600 nits worth), while consuming 40 percent less power than conventional LCDs. The company also told us the tech's been around for awhile, but that market forces conspired to keep it concealed -- though after seeing it in person, we can't fathom why it didn't make it into Sammy's stellar new slate. Pixel-density people shouldn't pout, however, as devices packing the display will drop by Q4 of this year or Q1 2012. Video explaining why you should join the RBGW revolution's after the break.

Gallery: Nouvoyance 10.1-inch PenTile RGBW prototype tablet display at SID 2011

Continue reading Samsung and Nouvoyance show off power-sipping, pixel packed Pentile display (video)

Samsung and Nouvoyance show off power-sipping, pixel packed Pentile display (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 08:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Sony's Thunderbolt implementation hiding in plain (web)site, uses USB connector not Mini DisplayPort?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/sonys-thunderbolt-implementation-hiding-in-plain-site-uses-usb/

Look closely at that picture. See that Type-A USB jack? The one with the blue stripe sandwiched between the round AC jack (with its green light) and VGA and HDMI ports? Yeah, that's Sony's Thunderbolt implementation according to a trusted source. A bit of digging reveals that the "Ultimate Mobile PC" teased by Sony above is actually the same VAIO Hybrid PC leaked by Sony Insider back in March said to feature an external dock with one USB 3.0 jack, HDMI, Ethernet, AMD Whistler discrete graphics, and a Blu-ray Disc writer. Naturally, the dock attaches to the VAIO's Thunderbolt jack.

What we're trying to get our heads around, however, is Sony's choice for a USB connector instead of the Mini DisplayPort used by Apple's dual-channel 10Gbps Thunderbolt implementation. The decision to go USB was first brought to our attention by site Gula Digital. We've long known that Sony would be a Light Peak partner in some capacity. And the decision to go USB certainly echoes those first prototype interconnects demonstrated by Intel that combined a hybrid USB 3.0 connector with an optical interface and electrical connection to carry power. We also like the idea of being able to connect a USB 3.0 hard disk without first attaching an adapter. What troubles us, though, is a statement made by the USB Implementers Forum last summer expressing reservations with Intel's proposed interconnect:

"USB connectors are not general purpose connectors and are not designed to be used in support of other technology applications or standards or as combo connectors."

Perhaps Sony has worked out a licensing arrangement with the USB-IF? We don't know. But we're told that Sony's Thunderbolt implementation is definitely using a USB connector and definitely not using Mini DisplayPort. But we'll wait until this thing ships before complaining about Thunderbolt fragmentation too loudly.

Sony's Thunderbolt implementation hiding in plain (web)site, uses USB connector not Mini DisplayPort? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 May 2011 12:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nanosys unveils Quantum Dot Enhancement Film for LCDs, promises all kinds of colors

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/nanosys-unveils-quantum-dot-enhancement-film-for-lcds-promises/

Another day, another step closer to quantum dot reality. Today, Nanosys unveiled its new Quantum Dot Enhancement Film (QDEF), marking the first time that the nanotechnology is available for LCD manufacturers. According to the company, its optical film can deliver up to 60 percent of all colors visible to the human eye, compared with the 20 to 25 percent that most displays offer. To create QDEF, Nanosys' engineers suspended a blend of quantum dots within optical film and applied it to a blue LED, which helped get the nanocrystals excited. Once they started hopping around, the dots emitted high-quality white light and a rich, wide color gamut, without consuming as much power as white LED-based materials. No word yet on when we can expect to see QDEF in consumer displays, but Nanosys claims that the film is "process-ready" and easy for manufacturers to integrate. For now, you can amuse yourselves by comparing the two frogs pictured above and guessing which one is covered in quantum dots. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Nanosys unveils Quantum Dot Enhancement Film for LCDs, promises all kinds of colors

Nanosys unveils Quantum Dot Enhancement Film for LCDs, promises all kinds of colors originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 May 2011 13:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Study finds Netflix is the largest source of internet traffic in North America

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/study-finds-netflix-is-the-largest-source-of-internet-traffic-in/

In your daily Netflix news, the latest report on Global Internet Phenomena for spring 2011 from Sandvine has called out the movie service as the largest single consumer of bandwidth on the internet in North America. The last report in October suggested it made up around twenty percent of internet traffic during prime time, but this time around the stats say it accounts for 30% of traffic during prime time, and 22.2% of daily internet traffic. Sandvine gets the data from ISPs using its broadband technology and now foresees "Real-Time Entertainment" (which includes Netflix) shooting up over 55% of peak internet traffic by the end of this year. It also reports on net traffic from other regions, noting social networking outpaces YouTube traffic in Latin America, while European subscribers use twice as much data as North Americans. We'll have to wait and see if these stats are waved in our faces to justify the next round of bandwidth caps or throttling, in the meantime you can click through for more stats or hear about it from Sandvine CEO Dave Caputo discuss them in a video embedded after the break.

Continue reading Study finds Netflix is the largest source of internet traffic in North America

Study finds Netflix is the largest source of internet traffic in North America originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 May 2011 14:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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